8 Best Things To Do In Kiama, New South Wales

Kiama is a relaxing coastal town south of Sydney that will pleasantly surprise you. You’ll find heritage buildings, stunning beaches and the largest blowhole in the world. Let me show you just why you need to visit with my guide to the best things to do in Kiama.

With ample natural wonders along a stunning coastline, it’s no wonder that Kiama is such a popular destination for those looking for a weekend trip away from Sydney or those on an epic road trip around Australia. You’ll find the world’s largest blowhole, heritage buildings dating back to the late 1800’s, golden sand beaches and easy access to beautiful rainforests.

Kiama is only 120km south of Sydney and was our first real experience of life on the road in the campervan; long, relaxing days next to the sea combined with plenty of exploring. We loved our time here and that time has helped me pull together this list of the best activities, attractions and things to do in Kiama.

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN KIAMA

COLLINS STREET

Along Collins Street in Kiama are the historic terrace houses that were originally built back in 1886 for the quarry workers. These historic buildings now are home to a variety of different stores including those selling sweets (or lollys I guess as we’re in Australia), homewares, gourmet foods and collectables. This is one of the first places in Kiama you’re likely to head to, perhaps even drive past, and a little retail therapy will set you up nicely for the rest of the day.

COAST WALK

To experience the best of this incredible coastline, why not get your trainers on and wander along all, or part, of the Kiama Coast Walk. Stretching for 20km from Minnamurra River through Kiama to Gerringong, you’ll see the best of the best in terms of coastal views, geological wonders, and sweeping golden beaches. The coastal walk features a combination of sealed paths, grass tracks and beach walks. If you’re not up for the full 20km walk, or don’t have the time, the walk is split into three manageable sections; from Minnamurra River to Kiama Blowhole, Kiama Blowhole to Loves Bay and Loves Bay to Gerrigong.

KIAMA LIGHTHOUSE

Kiama’s bright white lighthouse is an iconic landmark with breathtaking views along the coast and out to sea. If you’re visiting in the right season, between May and November, keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales.

The 1887 lighthouse offers a unique subject to your photographs and the area around it, with grass and pine trees, are popular for picnics. Whilst the lighthouse is beautiful, you’ll more likely be wandering past onto the best and most poplar thing to do in Kiama, the Blowhole.

KIAMA BLOWHOLE

The jewel of Kiama is without doubt its Blowhole and it’s this that attracts so many visitors each year. The name ‘Kiama’ even translates as “where the sea makes a noise”. Apparently, at least according to the New South Wales Government, Kiama’s Blowhole is the largest in the entire world and, when swells come from the south east, the water blasts through the rock reaching a height of up to 30 metres. Isn’t nature amazing?

This is a must-visit when you come to Kiama thought you might even have come to Kiama solely to see the infamous Blowhole. We visited on a relatively windy day so were treated to a great spectacle! Of course, you can’t plan when’s best to see the Blowhole so fingers crossed it puts on a show for you too. If the wind is coming from the north east, the opposite of conditions ideal for the Blowhole, head to the Little Blowhole around 3.5km further south along the coast.

BOMBO HEADLAND QUARRY

One of the most popular photography spots in Kiama, and perhaps on the entire New South Wales south coast, is the Bombo Headland Quarry. The original quarry opened in 1881 and operated until 1940 with workers regularly blasting out huge pieces of rock resulting in the most unique amphitheatre of rock columns similar to the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. Many photographers now head here for beautiful seascapes but of course be careful with the tides, the swell and the weather more generally!

With staying in and around Kiama so long, I’m genuinely gutted we never made it to Bombo Headland Quarry or Cathedral Rocks despite having painstakingly researched the best places for photography in advance. I honestly think my brain was just working in overdrive as we were only a few days into living in our campervan and we were still trying to adapt! All the more reason to return I guess!

Google Maps

CATHEDRAL ROCKS

Another great place for photography is Cathedral Rocks; an iconic location that is practically perfect at sunrise! The clue here is well and truly in the name. At the right angle, the infamous rock seemingly seems to rise straight out of the sea in the shape of a classic English cathedral. There’s also a hidden little cave too that looks as though is made solely to offer a natural frame to Cathedral Rocks. Again, be careful with the tides, swells and the weather!

Google Maps

JAMBEROO

Along the Official Tourist Drive No 9, from Kiama to the South Highlands, is the quaint little village of Jamberoo; one place that I fell in love with immediately. We visited Jamberoo primarily for its free campsite near the Kevin Walsh Oval but soon enough realised that this village was a hidden gem. Throughout our trip around Australia, we would sometimes offer comparisons of new towns and new free camps simply by stating “it’s just not Jamberoo though is it”. The main street features many 19th century buildings still in great condition such as the Jamberoo Pub which opened back in 1857.

If you’ve time, I’d highly recommend taking a day trip (even half a day is enough) to visit this lovely village. Jamberoo Action Park is also a great shout for those with kids (or even if you don’t) if you love a waterpark.

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ILLAWARRA FLY TREETOP ADVENTURES

Drive 30 minutes inland, and uphill, from Kiama and you’ll find Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures which is a fantastic activity for the whole family; if you’re a fan of heights. There’s a stunning 1.5km walk through rainforest, 500m of which is on a steel walkway through the treetop canopy. The walkway is at a height of around 20-30 metres with the Knights Tower reaching a lofty 45 metres. There are also two swaying platforms 25 metres high which honestly shook me right up. If you need more thrills, there’s a zipline tour that gets you up and personal with the rainforest.

Entry for our visit was included after we bought a Merlin annual pass at the Sealife Centre in Melbourne (it includes entry to 12 attractions including the Sydney Tower Eye & Madame Tussauds in Sydney) but adult tickets cost $27.50 for the treetop walk and $75 for the zipline tour.

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That wraps up my guide to the best things to do in Kiama on the New South Wales south coast. If you’re looking for a super laid back coastal town less than two hours from Sydney, look no further than Kiama!

WHERE NEXT?

Ok, let’s be honest, it’s taken me long enough to find the time to publish guides covering my time in Australia. Now though, the majority of them are linked below, so wherever you’re heading you’re likely to find what you need below!

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